Green Bay Packers Week 18 Roster Moves: Seven New Faces Set to Debut Against the Minnesota Vikings

The Green Bay Packers have made a total of 21 roster moves in Week 18, which includes practice squad elevations to the gameday roster. As a result, several new players will be making their Green Bay debuts in the Packers’ Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. With a host of fresh faces on the roster, here’s a breakdown of the notable new additions and what to expect from them.

Overview of Roster Changes

On the Gameday Roster:

• QB Clayton Tune (Practice squad promotion to 53)

• WR Jakobie Keeney-James (Practice squad promotion to 53)

• TE Drake Dabney (Practice squad gameday elevation)

• OL Lecitus Smith (Practice squad promotion to 53)

• DT Jonathan Ford (Waiver claim)

• LB Jamon Johnson (Practice squad gameday elevation)

• CB Trevon Diggs (Waiver claim)

• CB Shemar Bartholomew (Practice squad promotion to 53)

• CB/S Jaylin Simpson (Practice squad promotion to 53)

• S Johnathan Baldwin (Practice squad promotion to 53)

No Longer on the 53-man Roster:

• WR Savon Williams (IR)

• OL Donovan Jennings (IR)

• DT Jordon Riley (IR)

• DT Quinton Bohanna (Waived)

• CB Nate Hobbs (IR)

• CB Kamal Hadden (IR)

• S Zayne Anderson (IR)

Signed to the Practice Squad:

• QB Desmond Ridder

• RB Damien Martinez

• OL Karsen Barnhart

• CB Tyron Herring

With these roster moves in mind, here’s a closer look at the seven Packers who will be making their debuts this Sunday.

1. WR Jakobie Keeney-James (#84)

Jakobie Keeney-James’ promotion from the practice squad comes as somewhat of a surprise, especially considering that Will Sheppard had been elevated to the 53-man roster earlier this season. Keeney-James, an undrafted rookie, first signed with the Detroit Lions after the draft but was waived in August. The Packers signed him to their practice squad in Week 4. This is the first real opportunity to see Keeney-James in action for Green Bay, as he wasn’t part of the team during training camp or the preseason. His speed and skill will be tested as he steps into the 53-man roster.

2. DE Collin Oliver (#99)

Collin Oliver, a fifth-round rookie, has had a lengthy recovery process after being placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the start of training camp due to a hamstring injury. What was initially thought to be a short-term setback turned into a longer-term issue that required surgery. Oliver wasn’t activated to the 53-man roster until Week 17, making this his first opportunity to take the field in Green Bay. He is known for his pass-rushing abilities, though he missed significant time during the season. Oliver is undersized for a traditional pass rusher, but his skills could provide the Packers with additional depth and a much-needed boost.

3. DT Jonathan Ford (#64)

Jonathan Ford, a 2022 seventh-round pick by the Packers, was waived and picked up by the Chicago Bears, where he played for most of the 2024 season. Now, he’s back with Green Bay after being claimed off waivers this week. Ford is expected to provide depth on the defensive line, particularly at nose tackle. His return comes at a crucial time for the Packers, as they have struggled to fill the void left by Kenny Clark’s absence. Ford is a familiar face to the Packers and could play a pivotal role in bolstering their defensive line during Week 18.

4. CB Trevon Diggs (#28)

Trevon Diggs comes to the Packers after being claimed off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his time as an All-Pro cornerback, Diggs has struggled this season, with his performance falling off significantly compared to last year. His role with Green Bay appears to be a depth addition for the secondary, especially with injuries to key cornerbacks like Nate Hobbs and Kamal Hadden. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has expressed hopes of getting Diggs up to speed for Week 18, although it remains uncertain whether he will be ready to make an impact right away. Diggs will need to shake off his recent struggles if he’s to contribute meaningfully in Green Bay.

5. CB Shemar Bartholomew (#34)

Shemar Bartholomew is another player making his Packers debut, having been signed to the team’s practice squad in early December. He played briefly with the Carolina Panthers in 2024 and was later on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad before landing in Green Bay. Bartholomew has the potential to contribute on special teams and in the secondary, though his exact role for the Packers remains unclear. This will be the first time he gets a chance to show what he can do in a Packers uniform.

6. CB/S Jaylin Simpson (#38)

Jaylin Simpson, a fifth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, bounced around the league before finally landing with the Packers. He was initially waived by the Colts but was quickly picked up by the Jets, who later waived him before he signed with the Packers. Simpson has experience playing both safety and cornerback, and his versatility could make him a valuable asset in the secondary. He was promoted to the gameday roster earlier in the season but didn’t see action. Week 18 will give him his first opportunity to make a real impact for Green Bay.

7. TE Drake Dabney (#88)

Drake Dabney, a practice squad elevation, is set to make his Green Bay debut on Sunday. The tight end’s role on the roster could offer additional depth for Green Bay’s offense, as the team continues to evaluate their tight end group. Dabney will look to prove that he can be a reliable target for Jordan Love and add some much-needed size and physicality to the position.

Conclusion

With 21 roster moves in Week 18, the Green Bay Packers are fielding a team that will feature several fresh faces, particularly on offense and defense. The new additions — including Clayton Tune, Jakobie Keeney-James, and Collin Oliver — offer a blend of youth, depth, and potential. As the Packers close out the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings, expect to see a mix of new talent on the field as Green Bay evaluates their roster and prepares for potential future moves. With several key players stepping in for their first Green Bay appearances, Week 18 is sure to bring excitement and new opportunities for the Packers’ fresh faces.